India Makes Historic Debut In Freediving At World Apnea Pool Championship

In a historic breakthrough for Indian aquatic sports , Team India will make its first-ever official appearance at the World Apnea Pool Championship in Budapest , beginning June 2, 2026, marking the country’s entry into structured international freediving competition.

This participation is significant as it represents India’s transition from individual-level participation to full national representation in a sport that has long remained niche and unorganised in the country.

The development follows the formation of the Freediving Association of India (FAI) , founded by Archana Sankaranarayanan, an 11-time national record holder. Earlier this year, FAI gained recognition as an Observer Member of AIDA International , operating as AIDA India, giving Indian freedivers their first official pathway into global competition under an internationally recognised framework.

Under AIDA India, three athletes will represent the country at the championship. Archana Thiagarajan , India’s leading freediver and national record holder across pool and depth disciplines, will headline the team. She was also the first Indian to compete at a World Championship in Wakayama, Japan in 2025. Joining her is Akshay Thatte , India’s first Freediving Instructor Trainer and a four-time national record holder, along with Vachan H U , a national record holder and the first athlete to compete officially under AIDA India.

Adding to the milestone, Archana Sankaranarayanan will serve as India’s first-ever Assistant Judge at a World Championship , marking India’s entry not only as competitors but also as contributors to international officiating and governance . She previously competed at Budapest’s Duna Arena during the 2024 nOxyCup, where she set a national record.

The participation is widely seen as a turning point because it establishes India’s presence in a globally regulated competitive ecosystem , with structured selection, recognition, and judging standards under AIDA.

The sport’s growth has also been supported by community-driven brands such as Surface Interval, Stay Salty Club, and AZEN, alongside grassroots engagement and athlete-led development initiatives.

FAI stated that this milestone is expected to boost awareness, participation, and structured development of freediving in India , laying the foundation for future international representation.

Freediving, which involves diving underwater on a single breath without breathing apparatus, is now emerging in India as a recognised competitive sport with formal governance and global integration .